Does A Hiv Duo Test Say Anything After 6 Weeks?

Posted on Thu, 2 Aug 2012

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 2 Aug 2012 Answered on

Fri, 24 Aug 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi

Does a HIV DUO TEST say anything after 6 weeks? What about 8 weeks?

Thank you

Answered by Dr. Rohit Batra (-2 hours later)

Dear Patient,
Thanks for your query to XXXXXXX
A HIV Duo test looks for antibodies for HIV-1 and HIV-2 and also for the p24 protein.It can be done as early as 4 weeks . If the exposure is less than 3 months then a repeat test should be done after a total of 3 months time in negative cases.
A more rapid test is a pcr which can be done even within 24-48 hours of exposure.

The p24 surface protein is only there for initial few weeks and hence the chances of a false negative can be there but then it also comprises of antibodies to HIV-1 and 2 which can give the positive result if at all infection is there and hence the sensitivity of the result is as high as 100%.

Regards

Dr.Rohit Batra

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rohit Batra (28 minutes later)

Thank you
Also one more question
Would it be possible to expierence ars symptoms after 4 weeks to remain there for almost 3 months? My lymphnodes are swollen malaise and lump in throat.
Thanks

Answered by Dr. Rohit Batra (18 hours later)

Dear Patient,
Though it is vey unlikely for symptoms to persist for that long in ARS but we can say that the symptoms ae not related o HIV if the tests for same are negative.

Regards

Dr XXXXXXX Batra

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar